Dutch agricultural exports exceed 137 billion euros thanks to rising prices and a cocoa boom
The value of Dutch agricultural exports rose by more than 8% in 2025 to reach 137.5 billion euros, primarily driven by rising prices and a sharp increase in cocoa re-exports, according to CBS (Centraal Bureau voor de Statistiek, the Dutch statistics office).
CBS reported that more than two-thirds of this growth came from rising prices, while the remaining part was achieved through an increase in export volume. This reflects the significant role of inflationary pressures in raising the total value of exports.
The Dutch economy achieved an estimated 49 billion euros in agricultural exports during the year. Of this amount, 43.5 billion euros came from goods produced within the Netherlands, while the remainder resulted from re-exporting agricultural products sourced from other countries, which accounted for 35% of the total export value.
Dairy products and eggs remained the largest export category, recording an increase of 10% to reach 13.3 billion euros. Meat exports also rose by 10% to 12.1 billion euros, while horticultural products such as bulbs, cut flowers, and plants increased by 4% to reach 12.3 billion euros.
The strongest growth in cocoa and its products exports was recorded, including butter, paste, powder, and chocolate. The value of these exports jumped by 35% to reach 12.4 billion euros, making cocoa the second largest exported agricultural product. Researchers attributed this increase to the sharp rise in cocoa prices globally after years of weak harvests in West Africa.
Germany remained the main destination for Dutch agricultural exports, accounting for 25% of the total with a value growth of 10%. Exports to Belgium and France increased by 7%, while Poland recorded the fastest growth among the largest destinations at 24%. Growth outside the European Union was slower, with limited increases in China, weak growth in the UK due to the repercussions of Brexit, and almost complete stability in exports to the United States.